PREVALLE, Kosovo: As firefighters in southern Kosovo prayed for rain in their battle against wildfires in the Sharr Mountains National Park, a young man on a motor-bike approached them and said: “I am here to help.”
Allmedin Smaili, 26, a dentist from the nearby town of Prizren, has been helping firefighters for seven days to stop a fire in the park where he and his friends usually go with their motorbikes to enjoy the thrill of riding over the harsh terrain.
Two men at the fire department base fill backpack waterbags of 25 liters each and Smaili transports them to other firefighters to use to douse the flames as huge areas of pine trees burn.
Most of the time he carries two backpacks with water totalling 50 liters, food and bottles of drinking water.
“When I saw what firefighters are going through and how committed they are I told myself I have to do something,” Samili said as he prepared to transport more water.
On Wednesday, Smaili called three other friends to transport more water as breeze stopped the flames and a US helicopter from the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo started to drop water. The challenge is to stop slow burning trees which can ignite again with a more destructive fire.
“To reach the highest point with water on our back we need three hours and the boy (Smaili) was doing it in less than ten minutes,” said Flamur Hoti, the firefighters’ commander.
“We never imagined he could be so helpful.”
Video from his GoPro camera shows Smaili handing water to his new colleagues as his motorbike sped along trails made by brown bears and wild goats.
Steep slopes can be seen from his left and right side through traces of old burned areas which are still visible.
Fire trucks can not reach the terrain some 1,900 meters above the sea level.
“Cross motor-bike is a hobby for me but this week in turned into a real job,” he said, smiling. “When I see the impact, it gives me pleasure and I never got tired during these days.”
Kosovo man braves wildfires on motorbike to deliver water to firefighters
https://arab.news/26575
Kosovo man braves wildfires on motorbike to deliver water to firefighters
- Allmedin Smaili, 26, a dentist from the nearby town of Prizren, has been helping firefighters for seven days
- Most of the time he carries two backpacks with water totalling 50 liters, food and bottles of drinking water
Messi to unveil 21-meter statue of himself on India ‘GOAT’ tour
- Iron sculpture in Kolkata is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities
- Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week
KOLKATA: Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-meter (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, said the structure was built inside 40 days.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honor to visit India and interact with the fans.
“India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in a statement.
“India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honor and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
